Cost of Living: McAllen, TX vs Metairie, LA (2026)

McAllen

Texas
66
VS

Metairie

Louisiana
88

McAllen is 25% cheaper than Metairie.

$1,017/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,159/mo ↑ 14%
$60,165/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$73,256/yr ↑ 22%
$173,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$308,900 ↑ 78%
$996/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,186/mo ↑ 19%
143,789
Population
138,995

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

20.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McAllen, TX and Metairie, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $13,091/year higher in Metairie. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McAllen is $173,800 compared to $308,900 in Metairie.

Texas has no state income tax, giving McAllen residents a significant tax advantage over Louisiana's 4.25% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

McAllen vs Metairie — common questions

Is McAllen or Metairie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McAllen and Metairie?
Median rent in McAllen is $1,017/month and in Metairie it's $1,159/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, McAllen or Metairie?
Median household income is $60,165 in McAllen and $73,256 in Metairie. Median household income is $13,091/year higher in Metairie.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Louisiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to McAllen or Metairie?
It depends on your priorities. McAllen has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $1,017/mo, while Metairie has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,159/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View McAllen details → View Metairie details →

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